The type of cybersex being outlawed involves women - "cam girls"- chatting and performing sexual acts in front of webcams for internet clients. It does not affect text-only cybersex. This cam-sex is a growing industry in many parts of the world, and often young women and under-age girls are forced into it.

Anyone breaking the law faces a fine of 250,000 Philippine pesos ($6,000; £3,700) and a jail term of up to six months.

The new legislation is part of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, signed by President Benigno Aquino on 15 September.

The act defines cybersex as "the wilful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation, directly or indirectly, of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity, with the aid of a computer system, for favour or consideration".

So it is possible the act may target private teledildonics activities, although that would have to be put to the test in a court of law.